Meridith Sweitzer goes beyond the 'normal' caring for a patient. She has that 'little something special' that cannot be taught or learned. You either have it or you don't, and she has it. Meridith referred to this confused, elderly, and at one time physically aggressive woman as 'Granny'. I have witnessed many different moments these two have shared over the last 3 months. Sometimes a simple, 'Hello, Granny how are you doing?' to hugs and laughter, to making chitchat. Even when Granny wasn't Meridith's patient, she would make the time to go in and say hi. Both their faces would brighten and then you'd hear a giggle coming from her room. I did start to notice when other nurses were caring for Granny and her confusion would be more than usual, they would call Meridith, and she'd have just the right touch.
Today I had the honor to catch her in a candid moment with Granny that warmed my heart and made me feel proud to work side by side with such a compassionate nurse. She sat at the bedside with little confused Granny, listening to Gladys Knight and the Pips watching her eat her favorite pistachio ice cream (it wasn't uncommon for Meridith to go search for this ice cream after getting off a 12-hour shift and sometimes visiting multiple stores, just so Granny could have a moment of familiarity.) Meridith sets a standard for compassion that is not easy for all to obtain. I applaud her for her big heart and warm soul! You. Go. Girl!